More than 35 cities currently report an increase in murder and violence over the past year. New York is no exception, with an increase of 9 percent in murders and growing concerns about the growth of gang violence in particular. The reasons for the increases are being argued among experts, but some believe that more guns and greater police scrutiny are leading to emboldened criminals. Some cities have even seen murders increase by fifty percent or more.

Gang violence is getting a lot of attention from authorities in New York and beyond. Rivalries between organized street gangs, frequently over turf for drug sales, has contributed to the spike in gang violence. Outside of organized gang activity, however, some police officers are reporting that younger men in poorer neighborhoods are turning to violence to resolve everyday disputes as well.

With a laser focus on murder and cutting down on street violence, arrests could also increase. If you have been accused of a serious crime such as murder, manslaughter, assault, or any violent crime, you need to take your case to an experienced New York criminal defense attorney sooner rather than later. Even if you believe you have been wrongfully accused, these cases are often pursued zealously, and you need to protect your rights.

When you have been accused of murder or any serious crime, you can count on the state expending resources to prosecute your case aggressively. They will use the evidence they obtain to present a compelling case against you, and you need someone on your side to help fight for you. An experienced criminal defense attorney can figure out how to counter any prosecution claims and put forth a viable defense. You need an attorney who has experience with these types of cases so that you can feel confident in the representation you receive.

Julie Rendelman was the homicide deputy bureau chief at the Kings County (Brooklyn) District Attorney’s Office for several years. As a lawyer with over 20 years of experience, she has had extensive experience representing clients both in and out of the courtroom. If you are seeking a free consultation in a criminal case or any criminal investigation, then call Ms. Rendelman’s office at 212-951-1232. Visit www.RendelmanLaw.com to learn more about Ms. Rendelman’s areas of expertise.